'My love for baking started when I was about fourteen years old. At that time, I really enjoyed watching various baking and cooking shows on channels like 24Kitchen, and later on, of course, also watched The Great British Bake Off. I like cooking, but I find baking even more enjoyable. It involves a bit of decoration, more aesthetics. And the precise measuring of all those ingredients, I really enjoy that too. In the beginning, I mainly baked for my family and friends. By now, I have a cupboard full of baking books; I draw a lot of inspiration from them. I enjoy trying out new things constantly.'

IN THE TASTE

'Looking back, Heel Holland Bakt has always been a common thread in my "baking career". I have watched every single season. It is a nice, light, and cheerful TV program; on Sunday evenings, it's all about flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Delicious, right? In the back of my mind, I sometimes thought: wouldn't it be funny if I ever participated? But it was mainly the practical aspect that held me back from signing up: I have irregular work hours as a resident doctor, so I couldn't see how to combine it. Whenever I had baked too many treats on my day off, I would bring those cakes or cookies to work to share. Apparently, they were well-received, because my supervisor said: "Shouldn't you participate in that baking show?" I thought: if she supports me and makes it possible for me to do it, then I'll just give it a try!'

BERGEN WITH DISHES

"Participating in 'Heel Holland Bakt' was truly special for me. I immediately clicked with the other bakers and the atmosphere among us was cozy. The tent where we baked started to feel like a second home at a certain point. Besides being super fun, I also faced some challenges during that period. It caused me a lot of stress and my personal life took a back seat, which was quite an adjustment. It simply took a lot of time: preparing, grocery shopping, brainstorming ideas, trying out new techniques, mountains of dishes. But I did everything with love and it was all worth it in the end."

ENJOY CONSCIOUSLY

"I do not have the ambition to make a career switch. I have worked so hard to get where I am now as a doctor, that I am not willing to give it up at this moment. Besides, baking remains the most enjoyable for me when it is a hobby. I find it special that from a few simple ingredients - in a certain proportion with each other and with the right technique - you can make a beautiful and delicious sweet pastry, cake, or cookie. And perhaps most importantly: the joy of baking for me truly lies in making people happy and creating a moment for and with each other. It is my way of giving a little extra love."